Means for automatically cutting flexible shafting



L. H. MORIN May 2, 1933.

MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CUTTING FLEXIBLE SHAFTING Filed Dec. 12 1930 5Sheets-Sheet 1 L. H. MORIN May 2, 1933.

MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CUTTING FLEXIBLE SHFTING Filed Dec. 12, 1930 5Sheets-Sheet 2 I May 29 m33, L. H. MQRHN m 'MEANS FOR UTOMATCALLYCUTTING FLEXIBLE SHAFTING Filed Deca l2, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet C5 INVENTOR0a/5 ff. Maf/M WMM ATTORNEY May 2, 1933., L.. H. MORIN 1,906,867

MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CUTTING FLEXIBLE SHAFTING Filed Dec. 12, 1930 5sheets-sheet 4 ma i7 iNvENToR 0d/S h. MUR/A4 BYMOW ATTORNEY May 2, 1933-I L. H. MORIN 1,906,867

MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CUTTING FLEXIBLE SHAFTING Filed Dec. 12, 1930 5Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR ZI//S H. MOF/M www ATTORNEY Patented May 2,A1933 ATEN OFFICE LOUIS H. MORIN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CUTTING- FLEXIBLE ySI-Il-XFTIITC-l- Applicationfiled December 12,- 1930. Serial No. 501,895.

The greater portion of flexible shafting, of the type formed by windingone or more layers of wire about a core wire or mandrel, is used instandardized equipment such, for

example, as speedometers, dental apparatus and the like, which utilize apiece of flexible shafting of definite length. The flexible shafting is,however, fabricated continuously, and, therefore, must be severed intopieces,

l0 the lengths of which are suitable for the apparatus in which theshafting is to be used.

One of the advantages of the device of my invention is the fact that itis adapted to sever flexible shafting into pieces of predeterminedlength as the shafting is fabricated on a flexible shaft making machine.The flexible shafting fabricated on the flexible shaft making machinemay be fed through the device by the feeders of the 2e flexible shaftmaking machine. The device is provided with a cutting element which whenactuated severs flexible shafting passing through the device. Actuationof the cutting element of the device is controlled automatically inaccordance with predetermined movement of the flexible shafting.

The wires making up flexible shafting of the type referred to, when theshafting is severed at any point along its length, have a 3G tendency tounwind or uncurl and slip longitudinally which is troublesome inpractice because it interferes with placing couplings or terminals onthe ends formed by `severing the shafting. By the device of myinvention,

this troublesome tendency of the wires making up the flexible shaftingto unwind or uncurl, when the shafting is severed, is eliminated as thewir-es are set by the device over a portion of the shaft-ing whichincludes the point at which the shafting is to beI cut.

Specifically, I provide a device for cutting flexible shafting in whichthe cutting element is mounted on a movable carriage. The carriageoperating mechanism is adapted to e5 be connected through a clutchmechanism to a source of power or to the operating mechanism of aflexible shaft making machine. The clutch mechanism is controlled by asolenoid to connect the operating mechanism of the carriage to thesource of power for driving the operating mechanism of the carriage.Energization of the solenoid is controlled by the flexible shaftingpassing through the device. rlhe shafting passes between two memberswhich form a guide for the shafting and in which there is an adjustableabutment. The abutment constitutes an electrical contact member, and itmakes an electrical contact with the end of the flexible shaftingpassing through the device, when the end of 6othe shafting touches theabutment. The electrical connection between the flexible shafting andthe contactor on the abutment completes a circuit to the solenoid foroperating the aforementioned clutch, and the solenoid c5 actuates theclutch to connect the carriage operating' mechanism to the source ofpower. rlhe carriage then moves along` with the flexible shafting, andwhen it reaches approximately the end of` its travel, the cuttingelement `is actuated to cut the shafting.

On either side of the cutting element there are electrical contactmembers mounted on the carriage. These contact members are adapted tomake electrical contact with shafting passing through the device, and inorder to insure good electrical contact, the contactors are made to gripthe flexible shafting as the carriage starts traveling in the directionof movement of the flexible shafting. After 8o these contactors grip theflexible shafting, an electric circuit is completed to energizecontactors so that a current of electricity flows between thecontactors, through the flexible shafting. The current flowing throughthe flexible shafting between the contactors is of sufficient strengthto heat the flexible shafting and raise the temperature thereof highenough to set the wires forming the layers which constitute the flexibleshafting. The

carriage is made to travel slightly faster than the flexible shaftingand the gripping action of the contactor behind the cutting element,relative to the direction of movement of the carriage, loosely grips theflexible shafting so that it may slip therein to take up the increase inlength of the portion of the flexible shafting between the contactorscaused by the expansion of the shafting when it is heated. When thecutting element is actuated to cut the flexible shafting, the contactorsare actuated to release the flexible shafting, the carriage is returnedto its original position, and the clutch is actuated to disengage thecarriage operating mechanism from the source of power. The piece ofshafting that is cut is removed from the device and the end formed bysevering the shafting proceeds along the guideway to abut against, andmake electrical contact with the abutment contactor to start again thecycle of operation just described.

The abutment contactor is adjustable to vary the length of the pieces offlexible shaftin g severed by the device. The clutch for connecting thecarriage operating means to the source of power is also adjustable tovary the length of the pieces of flexible Shafting severed by thedevice. The former adjustment is a rough adjustment, the latter being afine adjustment.

My invention will be more clearly understood from the followingparticular description of the embodiment thereof shown in theaccompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a partial sectional elevation of a device which embodies myinvention;

Fig. 2 is a plan of the same;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary plan, partly in section;

Fig. 4 is a transverse section taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged' fragmentary section taken on the line 5-5 of Fig.2; l

Fig. 6 is a transverse section of the clutch mechanism taken on the line66 of Fig. 1;

.Fig 7 is an end view of the clutch mechamsm taken on the line 7-7 ofFig. 1;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional elevation of the clutchmechanism;

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal elevation of one of the parts of the clutchmechanism;

Fig. 10 is a section of the same taken on the line 10-10 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a longitudinal section of another element of the clutchmechanism;

Fig. 12 is an end elevation of the same;

Fig. 13 is a transverse section taken on the irregular line 13-13 ofFig. 2;

Fig. 14 is a transverse section taken on the line 14-14 of Fig. 2.

In the device shown in the drawings the cutting element consists of aknife 1 carried by a holder to which it is secured by means of pins 3.The holder is slidably mounted within a casing, and extends beyond thecasing at both ends, the extended end having downwardly extendingprojections i on which cam followers 4a and il?) are mounted whichcooperate with cams to actuate the lrnife in a manner which willhereinafter appear. At the center of the side walls 5 of the casing;there are aligned openings through which flexible shafting may pass. Theopening in the side wall to the rear of the knife, relative to thedirection of movement of flexible shafting through the device; isprovided with a bushing 6 in which the flexible shafting lits snugly.rlhe knife is carried by the holder in contact with the inner surface ofthe wall in which the bushing 6 is placed; and the knife is adapted toshear the flexible shafting at the point at which it extends through thebushing.

r1`he cutting element described above is mounted upon a movable carriage7 which is adapted to move longitudinally of the device. This carriagehas; on either side thereof, flanges 8 which extend into channel-shapedgrooves formed in the side frame members 9. rlhe grooves are formed inthe side; frame members by cutting angular grooves in upper inwardlyextending flanges 10 of the frame members and securing a plate 11 to thetop of each of the frame members which plate extends out over theangular groove in the flanges and forms the upper side of thechannel-shaped grooves; the plates being secured to the tops of theframe members b v machine screws 12. These channel-shaped grooves serveas guides, the frame members supporting, and the grooves guiding thecarriage. l At the rear end of the carriage, relative to the directionof movement of flexible shafting through the device; there is a central,downwardly extending projection 13 through which a stub shaft 14extends. On the end of this stub shaft7 there is mounted a cam roller 15which engages the sides of a groove in a. cylindrical cam 16 that ismounted between the side members of the frame. The groove in thiscylindrical cam is such that one revolution of the cam will move thecarriage forwardly the length of the cam and return it to its initialposition.

The cylindrical cam 16 is mounted within the frame of the device and isrotated through an annular gear 17 within the cam near the rear thereofand secured against a shoulder formed on the inner surface of the cam bymeans of machine screws 18. Between this annular gear and the rear endof the cylindrical cam there is a segment 19 carrying a brake shoe 20which engages the inner surface of the cam. The segment 19 has arectangular opening therethrough at the center thereof which fits over arectangular projection 21 extendingy from the forward, end frame member22. ln the lower side of thev projection 21; there is a recess 23 whichforms a housing for a spring 24 that acts between the projection and thesegment to cllcct the pressure with which the brake shoe is applied tothe inner surface of the drum. rl`he brake shoe prevents the cam fromrotating loosely and serves to take up back-lash in the train of gearsthrough which the cam is driven, which train of gears will now bedescribed.

Meshing with the annular gear 17 there is an idler pinion 25 which isrotatably mounted upon a. shaft 26 extending through the gear, end framemember 22. The pinion y25 meshes with another pinion 27 secured on ashaft 28 which extends between, and is journalled in the forward, endframe member 22 and an inwardly extending projection 3() formed on therear, end frame member 3l. The shaft 28 has an enlarged portionintermediate its ends which is journalled in a bearing formed in aradial, inwardly extending bracket 32 formed on the cylindrical camthrough which bracket the shaft supports the cylindrical cam. The cam isalso rotatably supported by a. ledge 33 formed on the rear, end framemember 31. Thrust bearings 34 are provided on either side of the bearingbracket 32 to absorb the longitudinal forces acting on the cylindricalcam in moving the carriage. Adjacent the inwardly extending projection30 of the rear, end frame member 31, there is an annular gear 35 securedto the shaft 28. This annulargear meshes with a pinion 36 secured on theend of a shaft 37 which extends through the projection 30 and the rear,end frame member 31 and which is journaled therein. On the end of theshaft 37 extending through the frame member 31, there is mounted aclutch mechanism through which the shaft is connected to the source ofpower or to the operating mechanism of a flexible shaft making machine.

Actuation of the clutch mechanism to conneet the carriage operatingmechanism to the source of power is controlled by a solenoid which isenergized when the end of the flexible shafti-ng passing through thedevice makes an electrical contact with an abutment in the path thereof.The abutment in the path of the flexible shafting is positioned betweentwo angle members 39, flanges of which are arranged in parallel to forma channel 40 through which flexible shafting entering the device passes.The ends of the angle members removed from the frame are supported by astandard 41 on the top of which there is a frame 42 having upwardlyextending parallel flanges 43. Securedto the opposed surfaces of theflanges of the frame 42, there are channel members 44, the webs of thechannel members being secured to the sides of the flanges by screws 45.These channel members constitute tracks for rollers 46 mounted on theends of a shaft 47. Upon this shaft, there are mounted two members 48which support therebetween a plate 49 which is secured to the members bymachine screws 50, the members 48 being secured to the shaft by setscrews 5l. This plate 49 supports the free ends of the angle members andis mounted for movement longitudinally of the angle memers so that anglemembers of varying lengths may be used. The angle members are spacedapart by bars 52 which are secured in place by bolts 53. In the channel40 formed by the angle members there is an abutment 54. The abutment hasan overhanging portion 55 which overhangs the side of one of the anglemembers and which is provided with thumb screws 56 by means of which theabutment may be secured in any position in the channel formed by theangle members. The end of the flexible shafting passing through thechannel formed by the angle members will abut against this abutmentwhich carries an electrical contact member 57 which is adapted to makeelectric contact with flexible shafting striking the abutment.Insulation 58 on either side of the contactor prevents the contactorfrom through a rod 60 and lever 61, the clutch .f

mechanism to connect the carriage operating mechanism to the source ofpower.

The clutch mechanism used is shown in Figs. l and 6- to l2 inclusive andcomprises a pawl 62 and rachet 63. The ratchet 63 consists of a cylinderhaving teeth formed in the inner surface thereof. This ratchet alsocon,- stitutes the casing of the clutch and is mounted upon a cylinder64 which is keyed on the end of the shaft 37 extending through the rear,end frame member. `The cylindrical ratchet is mounted on the cylinder 64through annuli 65 which surround the cylinder 64 adjacent the endsthereof. The teeth of the ratchet extend between the annuli, adjacentthe outer periphery of the cylinder 64, the ratchet having flanges 66and 67 on either side of the toothed portion which extend over theannuli and which are secured to the annulus by means of machine screws68. A

semi-circular groove 69 is cut in the periphery of the cylinder 64longitudinally thereof. and in this groove the pawl 62 is mounted. Thepawl consists of a pin which is adapted to fit in the groove formed inthe periphery of the cylinder 64. Intermediate the ends. a distanceequal to the length of the teeth in the ratchet, the pawl issemi-circular in cross section as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. At one endthe pawl has a radially extending projection 70 which extends through agroove 7l in the end of the cylinder 64, and at the opposite end thepawl has a groove 72 formed therein. end of thecylinder 64 and thegroove is en- This latter end extends beyond the gaged by a hook-shapedmember 73 that is secured to the end of the shaft 87 by means of a bolt38 as shown in Fig. 8. The laterally extending projection 7 0 formed onthe opposite end of the pawl has a tapered hole therethrough which isadapted to receive and engage a tapered spring 74 that is secured at itsfree end to a pin 75 secured in the ratchet 63. The force of this springacts to turn the p21-wl in the semi-circular groove 69 in the cylinder64-so that the edge of the semi-circular portion of the pawl extendsbetween successive teeth of the ratchet and engages a tooth of theratchet. Y When this occurs the ratchet and the shaft 37 are connectedthrough the pawl. f

The projection on the pawl extends beyond the casing of the clutch, andis adapted to be engaged by a stationary projection 76 that extends intothe path of the projection 70 on the pawl. The stationary proj ection 76opposes the action of the spring 74, and maintains the pawl in theposition shown in Figs. 6 and 7, that is, out of engagement with theteeth of the ratchet. The projection 76 is formed on a hub 77 that fitsover the tapered end of a shaft 7 8 which extends through the rear, endframe member and is slidably mounted therein. On the opposite end ofthe shaft 78, there is a convolute spring 79 which acts between a pin 80extending through the shaft and the inner surface of the frame member tomaintain the proj ection 76 in the path of the radially extendingprojection 70 of the pawl. The lever 61 is pivoted between its ends andis bifurcated at both ends. At one end the rod 60 extending from thesolenoid 59 is secured between the arms of the bifurcated portion. Atthe opposite end, the arms of the bifurcated portion extend partiallyaround the shaft 78 and are adapted to engage the hub 77 of thestationary projection 76. The shaft 78 carrying the hub 77 is heldagainst rotation by a projection 81 extending into a groove in thelever. As the lever is actuated by the solenoid it moves the shaft 78longitudinally thereof against the action of the spring 79 to move thestationary projection 76 out of the path of the pawl projection 70. Thepawl so released turns in its groove under the force of the spring 74and engages a tooth of the ratchet to connect the ratchet to the shaft.

The ratchet is connected to the source of power through a shaft 82formed integral with a cap 83 which is threaded in the flange 67extending from the ratchet. This cap has upon the inner end thereof gearteeth 8st which engage a worm gear 85 journaled in the flange 67 of theratchet. By means of this worm gear 85, which extends through the fiange67 and as a squared end 86, the can 83 may be moved relative to theflange of the ratchet to change the relation between the cap and theratchet and vary the length of the shafting cut by the device, as willhereinafter appear.

lhen the end of the flexible shafting passing through the device strikesthe abutment and makes electrical contact therewith, the solenoid isenergized, and in the manner described above actuates the clutchmechanism to connect the shaft 37 to the shaft 82 which is connected tothe source of power. Through the train of gears described above rotationof the shaft 37 is transmitted to the cylindrical cam and the carriageis moved longitudinally by the cooperation of the cam follower l5 andthe groove in the cam. rlhe ratio of the gears between the shaft and thecylindrical cam is such thatthe carriage moves at a speed slightlygreater than the movement of the flexible shafting passing through thedevice. As the carriage moves longitudinally the cam followers ia and 4bcooperate with the cams 87, 88 and 89 secured to the upper surface ofthe side frame members 9 to move the knife in the casing, the cam lacooperating with the cams 87 and 88 and the cani follower 4])cooperating with the cani 89. The am 89 maintains the knife in theposition shown in Fig. 8 during approximately one half of the forwardmovement of the carriage until the cam follower en, engags the cam 87.The engaging surface of the cam 87 is, as shown,- inclined to the lineof movement of the carriage and forces the knife holder to slide withinthe casing, causing the knife to traverse the path of the fiexibleshafting passing through the casing, and shear the fiexible shafting.The surface of the cam 89 is out away at this point to permit themovement of the knife within its casing and to traverse the path of thefiexible shafting. On further movement of the carriage, the knife holderis moved in the opposite direction by the cooperation of the surface ofthe cam 89 which is inclined to the line of movement of the carriageoppositely to the inclination of the surface of the cam 87. longer thanthe inclined surface of the cam 87 and is of such length as to move theknife holder so that the cam follower 4a engages the surface of the cam88. As the carriage is returned to its original position, the camfollower la engages the inclined portion of the cam 88 and is returnedto its initial position.

As hereinbefore mentioned. the wires making up the layers of theflexible shafting are heated over a portion of the shafting whichincludes the point at which the flexible shafting is to be cut. Theflexible shafting is heated by passing a current of electricity througha portion of the shafting and for this purpose there is mounted on thecariage, on either side of the cutting element, a pair of jaws which areadapted to rlhe inclined surface of the cam 89 isl grip the flexibleshafting passing through the device and make electrical contacttherewith. Each pair of jaws includes a stationary aws which is securedto the carriage by a bolt 91 which extends through a slot 92 in thecarriage and through the opening provided therefor in the jaw. Thestationary jaws are also provided with integral connectors 93 to whichan electrical cable or wire 94 is adapted to be electrically connected.The movable jaw 95 of each pair of jaws is pivotally secured to thestationary jaw by a pin 96 extending through a projection on the movablejaw and the arms of a bifurcated portion of the stationary jaw betweenwhich the projection on the movable jaw extends. The stationary j aw isalso provided with a projection 97 that is adapted to engage the upperportion of the movable jaw and limit the extent the movable jaw may bemoved in a direction to open the jaws. The upper portions of the movablejaws are bifurcat-ed as clearly shown in Fig. 4 to receive rods 98extending laterally in opposite directions from the ends of the arms ofa yoke 99. The rods are electrically insulated from the movable jaws byfiber sleeves 100 which surround the rods 98. Through the yoke 99, thejaws are actuated to grip and release the flexible shafting to makeelectrical contact therewith.

The top 101 of the casing in which the knife holder 2 is mounted has aportion 101@ thereof of greater thickness than the remainder. Theportion 101@ has a recess in its lower face substantially at thetransverse center of the casing in which recess there is placed acup-shaped member 102 which presses against the upper edge of the knifeholder under the action of a convolute spring 103 within the member 102.The upper surface of the portion 101@ of the casing is groovedlongitudinally thereof to receive a plate 104 which is slidably mountedin the groove and which is held in the groove by a cover plate 105. Theplate 104 has a shoulder 106 formed on the upper surface thereof whichis adapted to abut against the .edge of the cover plate 105 and there isa spring 107 acting to maintain the shoulder 106 of the plate 104against the end of the cover plate. This spring is secured at one end toa pin 108 extending from the cover plate and at the other end to a bolt109 which extends through the slidable plate and supports a cam follower110 against the lower side of the movable plate. On the end of themovable plate opposite to the end on which the cam follower 110 ismounted there is a pin 111 extending from the upper surface of themovable plate over which the eye of an eyebolt 112 is fitted. Theaforementioned yoke 99 is slidably mounted on the eyebolt. The yoke isheld against the head of the eyebolt by means of a spring 113surrounding the eyebolt and acting between nuts 114 on the end of thebolt and the yoke.

rflic cam follower 110 cooperates with a cam 115 carried on the end ofone arm of a Jell crank lever 116. The bell crank lever 116 is pivotallymounted on a pin 117 .extending from the upper surface of the side framemember 9 and has a projection 118 which is adapted to abut against a pin119 when the cam 115 is in position to cooperate with the cam follower110, to which position the bell crank lever is resiliently urged by aspring 120. The cam 115 has a pair of parallel cam surfaces which areinclined to the line of movement of the carriage, and as the carriagestarts moving, the cam follower 110 engages the rear face of the cam,relative to the direction of movement of the flexible shafting. As thefollower 110 rides along the inclined surface of the cam, the movableplate 104 is moved to the left, as seen in Fig. 5, against the action ofthe spring 107. Movement of the plate 104 moves the yoke 99 and causesthe rods 98 to close the j aws which grip the fiexible shafting and makeelectrical contact therewith. The pressure with which the flexibleshafting is gripped between the jaws is determined by the force of thespring 113 acting between the yoke and the nuts on the eyebolt.

The plate 104 is held in its outermost position when moved thereto by apawl 121 which is pivotally mounted in an opening through thetop 101 ofthe knife holder casing and which engages a shoulder 122 formed in the'lower surface of the plate. The pawl is pivoted between its ends andthere is a spring 123 housed in a recess which acts upon the pawl,urging it to rotate about its pivot so that one end of the pawl, whichis squared, presses against the lower surface of the plate and engagesthe shoulder formed in the plate when it is moved beyond the end of therpawl. The other end of the pawl, which is rounded, extends into a recessin the top of the knife holder when the pawl engages the shoulder on theplate 104. The ends 124 of the recess in the top of the knife holder areinclined and act as cams, the rounded end of the pawl acting as a camfollower. l/Vhen the knife holder is subsequently actuated, ashereinbefore explained, to shear the flexible shafting, the inclinedside 124 of the recess in the knife holder acts upon the rounded end ofthe pawl, rotating the pawl about its pivot against the action of thespring 123 to release the plate 104. The plate 104 is then returned, bythe spring 107, to its initial position to open the jaws and release theflexible shafting. On the return of the carriage, the cam follower 110engages the forward cam surface of the cam 115 and turns the lever 116about its pivot so that the cam follower may pass the cam.

On the rear, end frame member, there is a bell crank lever 125 which ispivotally connected to the frame member. The bell crank lever carries acam follower 126 which abuts against the edge of the cylindrical cam.This lever also carries a switch contacter 127 which is insulatedtherefrom and cooperates with a stationary contact 128 to make and breaka circuit to a transformer 129 which is secured to the carriage andfurnishes current to the jaws. The cam follower' 126 on the bell cranklever is held against the edge of the cylindrical cam by a spring 130and a cam 131 on the edge of the cylindrical cam determines the action`of the switch. This cam is designed so that as the carriage moves andthe flexible shafting passing therethrough is gripped between the jawsthe switch is closed, closing the circuit to the transformer whichenergizes the jaws so that a current of electricity passes between thejaws, through the flexible shafting. The current passing through theflexible shafting heats the flexible shafting sufficiently to set thewires forming the layers of the flexible shafting so that when theflexible shafting is cut by the action of the cutting element the wiresmaking up the flexible shafting will not unravel or unwind.

The bolts securing the stationary part of the jaws in place pass throughslots in the carriage, as hereinbefore described, so that the distancebetween the jaws on either side of the cutting element may be varied toincrease or decrease the length of sha-fting through which the currentpasses, and thereby regulate the temperature to which the flexibleshafting is raised by the current passing therethrough.

After the cylindrical cam has made one complete revolution, the clutchmechanism is actuated to disconnect the carriage operating mechanismfrom the source of power. When the shaft 78 is moved by the solenoid topermit the pawl of the clutch to engage the ratchet it is held in theposition to which it is moved by the solenoid by a bell crank lever 132pivotally mounted on the rear, end frame member 30 within thecylindrical cam. On the end of one arm of the bell crank lever 132 thereis a roller 133 which engages the inner surface of the cylindrical cam.The other arm of the bell crank lever extends transversely to the shaft78 which carries the stationary projection 76 that engages theprojection 7 0 on the pawl of the clutch, and it is adapted tofrictionaily engage the shaft 78. T his'arm of the bell crank leverisheld in frictional engagement with the shaft 78 by a spring 134 whichis connected to the arm at one end, and at the opposite end to astationary pin secured in the bearing bracket 32. When the shaft ismoved longitudinally by the solenoid 59, so that the projection 96releases the pawl of the clutch, the arm of the bell crank lever,frictionally engaging the shaft, holds the shaft against the action ofthe spring 79. The

head 135 of a bolt 136 extending through the cylindrical cam forms aprojection or cam which is adapted to engage the roller 133 on the armof the bell crank lever. `When this cam engages the roller yon the armof the bell crank, the bell crank lever is turned about its pivotagainst the action of the spring 134 and releases the shaft 7 8 so thatit may be moved under the action of the spring 79 to move the stationaryprojection 76 into the path of the projection extending from the pawl ofthe clutch. When the shaft is released by actuation of the bell cranklever and the stationary projection 76 moves into the path of theprojection 7 0 extending from the pawl.y it engages the projection 70and by virtue of the rotation of the shaft 73, the pawl is rotated inthe groove in the cylinder 64 to disengage the pawl from the ratchet, inwhich position the pawl remains until the stationary projection is movedagain by the action of the solenoid 59 Flexible shafting passing throughthe device is held in the channel 40, formed by the angle members 39, sothat it will contact with the abutment contactor 57 to energize thesolenoid 59 by a plate 137. The plate is secured to a flange of one ofthe angle members by bolts 138 extending through slots 139 formed int-he plate. The slots 139 are inclined to the plane of the channel 40and rollers 140 on the bolts 138 engage the sides of the slots, so thatthe plate may slide relative to the angle members. T he end of the plateadjacent the carriage of the device is also inclined to the plane of thechannel 40, and the carriage carries aprojection 141 having an inclinedend which is adapted to engage the inclined edge of the plate. Whenthese surfaces engage and the carriage is moved, the plate moves at anangle to the plane of the channel 40 in accordance with the inclinationof the slots 139. The plate, in this way,'is moved beyond the channeland the'piece of flexible shafting, severed by the action of the cuttingelement, drops through the bottom of the channel to the fioor. The anglemembers 39 are held from moving with the plate by a bracket 142 to whichthey are secured and which in turn is secured to the frame by the pin143 extending through a projection 144 on the bracket and a bifurcatedend portion of the frame of the device. To the bottom plate there issecured an arm 145 which is pivotally secured to a bar 146 by a bolt147. This bar passes through a groove formed in a bracket 148 which ispivotally secured between the arms of a bifurcated extension 149 on theside frame member by means of a pin 150. To the side of this bracketthere is resiliently secured a plate 151 which presses against thesurface of the bar 148 passing through the groove in the bracket. Theplate 151 is secured to the bracket by means of bolts 152,

springs 153 being interposed between the nuts 154 on the bolts and theplate. This plate151 acts as a brake to insure even action of the plate137, which is returned to its original position beneath the channel et()by a spring.

The operation of the devicey is as follows: Assuming that the device isto'be operated in conjunction with a flexible shaftmaking mag chine itwilll be arranged adjacent the end of the flexible shaft making machineat which the fabricated shafting leaves the machine. The shaft 82 of theclutch will be connected to one of the shafts of the flexibleshafftmaking machine. The flexible shafting made by the machine will be fed bythe feeders of the machine through the openings in the sides 5 of thecasing ofthe cutting element, across the stationary jaws on either sideof the cutting' element, and into the channel l0 formed by the anglemembers 39. As the shaft is made and fed through the cutting device theend of the shaft will tra-vel through the channel il0 and abut againstthe abutment 54 in the channel, making an electrical contact with thecontacter 57 carried by the abutment. The electrical connection betweenthe flexible shafting and the contactor 57 carried by the abutmentclosesv the circuit of the solenoid which draws the rod 60 in thedirection of movement of the flexible shafting. Movement of the rod inthis direction actuates the lever 61 about its pivot and moves the shaft7 8 which carries the stal` tionary projection 76. As the stationarypro'- jection is moved out of contact with the projection extending fromthe pawl of the clutch, the pawl is rotated by the action of the spring74 and engages a, tooth of the ratchet which is continually rotatedthrough the shaft 82 and the cap 83. Engagement of the ratchet by thepawl connects the shaft 82 to the 'shaft 37 and causes the latter torotate. Rotation of the shaft 37 is transmitted through the angular gear35, shaft 28, pinion 27', idler pinion 25, and the angular' gear 17 tothe cylindrical cam. The back-lash in the train of gears is taken upbefore the cam start-s to rotate by virtue of the brake shoe 2O whichpresses against the inner surface of the cylindrical cam. As the camrotates, the cam follower 15 follows the groove inthe cylindrical camand moves the `carriage 7 longitudinally thereof.

Movement of the carriage causes the cam follower 110, on the movableplate 1011, to engage the cam 115, on the bell crank lever 116, whichmovesthe cam follower and the plate 1011. Through the rods 98 on thearms of the yoke 99, which is connected to the plate 104 through theeye-bolt 112, movement of the plate causes movement of the movable jawsto grip the flexible shafting between they movable andv stationary jaws.Immediately after the flexible shafting is gripped between the jaws, thebell crank lever 125 is actuatedv tov close the switch, thereby closingthecircuit to the transformer 129 which energizes the gripping jaws tocause aicurrent of electricity to pass between that portion.

shaft, shearing the shafting adj-acentthe side of the casing to the rearofthe knife relative to the direction of movement of the flexible-.shafting.

The jaw to the rear of the cutting element, relative to the direction ofmovement of the liexible shafting through the device,k loosely grips theflexible shafting and the carriage is moved ata speed slightly greaterthan the speed of movement of the flexible shafting. In this way, theincrease in length of the portion of the flexible shafting which isheated, is taken up.

As the flexible shafting is cut, the bell crank lever 125 is actuated toopen the circuit to the transformer, and when the knife moves to cut theflexible shaft-ing, the pawl 121 is actuated to release the slidableplate 104; and permit the spring 107 to open the jaws, and release theflexible shafting.

During the movement of the carriage forwardly, in the direction ofmovement of the flexible shafting, the inclined edge of the projection141, on the end of the carriage, engages the inclined edge ofthe plate137 forming the base of the channel 410, and moves the plate, by virtueof the inclined surfaces and inclined slots 139, transversely. to theplane of the channel 40. l/Vhen the shafting is cut, the plate 140 isout of the plane of the channel 40, permitting the severed piece ofshafting to fall on to the floor.

At the end of the forward movement of the carriage, the cam follower4J), ofthe knife holder 2, engages the inclined surface of the cam 89,which moves the knife holder in the opposite direction. This cam movesthe knife holder sufliciently to cause the cam follower la, on thereturn of the carriage, to pass behind the cam block 37. As the carriagereturns, the cam follower on the movable plate 140 engages the forwardinclined surface of the cam 115 on the bell crank lever 116 and swingsthe bell crank lever .so that the cam follower of the movable plate maypass the cam. At the same time, the cam follower on the knife holderengages the inclined surface of the cam 88 and the knife holder isreturned to its initial position. The return movement of the carriagealso permits the plate 137 to assume its initial position beneath thechannel Ll0.

As the carriage reaches its initial position, the head 135 of the bolt136, extending through the cylindrical cam, engages' the sei roller 133,on the bell crank lever 132, actuating the bell crank lever to releasethe shaft T 8 Which is returned to its initial position under the actionof the spring 79. As the projection 70, extending from the pavvl of theratchet, engages the stationary projection 76, which is now in the pathof the projection 70, the paWl is turned and the engagement between thepawl Vand the ratchet is broken.

It Will be seen that the length of the piece of flexible shafting cutmay be varied by moving the abutment in the channel. rlhis movement ofthe abutment roughly determines tlie length of the pieces of flexibleshafting to be cut. By turning the Worm S5 in the clutch, a fineadjustment in the length of the flexible shafting to be cut, may be had.

From the above description of the embodiment of my invention shown inthe drawings, it Will be apparent that I have devised a device forsevering flexible shafting or the like into pieces of predeterminedlength. rlhe device is automatic, and it is universal in itsapplication, in that the length of thev piece of flexible shaftingsevered may be varied at Will. The device also eliminates unraveling oruntwisting of the Wires forming the flexible shafting by setting theWires before the shaftiiig is severed.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes maybe made in the details of the embodiment shown in the drawings Withinthe principle and scope of my iiivention, as expressed in the appendedclaims.

I claim:

l. A device for cutting flexible shafting adapted to cut shaftingcontinuously fed thereto into pieces of predetermined length Vcomprisingmeans for cutting flexible shafting, means for guiding flexible shaftingthrough the device, an abutment in the path of flexible shafting passingthrough the device and constituting an electrical contact element,electrical means for controlling the actuation 0f said cutting means,and a circuit to said electrical means including the flexible shaftingand the electrical contact element.

2. In a device for cutting flexible shafting adapted to cut shaftingcontinuously fed thereto into pieces of predetermined length and acutting element comprising a casing havingy openings through the sidesthereof through which flexible shafting is adapted to pass, a knifeWithin the casing. and means for moving the knife Within the easingtransverse to the path of' the flexible shafting through the casing.

3. In a device for cutting flexible shafting adapted to cut shaftingcontinuously fed thereto into pieces of predetermined length and acutting element comprising a casing having openings through the sidesthereof through which flexible sliafting is adapted to pass, a knifeWithin the casing slidably mounted against one side thereof, and meansfor moving the knife across the path of the flexible shafting.

Al. In a device for cutting flexible shafting adapted to cut shaftingcontinuously fed thereto into pieces of predetermined length, acarriage, means for cutting flexible shafting carried by said carriage,means for gripping flexible shafting passing through the device oneither side of said cutting means, electrical connections to saidgripping means, means for moving the carriage in the direction ofmovement of flexible shafting passing through the device, means forcausing said gripping means to grip flexible shafting passing throughthe device, means for energizing said gripping means, and means foractuating said cutting means.

5. In a device for cutting flexible sliafting adapted to cut shaftingcontinuously fed thereto into pieces of predetermined length, acarriage, means for cutting flexible shaftiiig carried by said carriage,means for gripping flexible shafting passing through the device oneither side of said cutting means, electrical lconnections to saidgripping means, means for moving the carriage in the direction ofmovement of flexible shafting passing through the device, means forcausing said gripping means to grip flexible shafting passing throughthe device, means for energizing said gripping means, means foractuating said cutting means, means for releasing said gripping means,and means for returning the carriage to its initial position.

6. In a device for cutting flexible shafting adapted to cut shaftingcontinuously into pieces of predetermined length, a carriage, means forcutting flexible sliafting carried by said cai'riage, means for grippingflexible shafting passing through the device on either side of saidcutting means, electrical connections to said gripping means, means formoving the carriage in the direction of movement of flexible shaftingpassing through the device, means for causing said gripping means togrip flexible shafting passing through the device, means for energizingsaid gripping means, means for actuating said cutting means, meansactuated by the movement of said cutting means for releasing saidgripping means, and means for returning the carriage to its initialposition.

7. In a device for cutting flexible shafting adapted to cut shaftingcontinuously fed thereto, a carriage, means for cutting flexibleshafting carried by said carriage, means for gripping flexible shaftingpassing through the device on either side of said cutting means,electrical connections to said gripping means, means for moving thecarriage in the direction of movement of flexible shafting passingthrough the device, means for causing said gripping means to gripflexible shaftingypassing thro-ugh lthe device, electrical connectionsto the gripping means,

Vmeans for energizing the gripping means to ,flexible shafting so thatit may slip therethrough to take up expansion of the flexible shafting,means for actuating said cutting mea-ns, means actuated by the movementof `said cutting vmeans vfor releasing said cutting means, and means forretu-rning the carriage to its initial position.

y8. In a device for cutting .flexible shafting into pieces ofpredetermined length, a carriage, a knife carried by the carriage forcutting flexible shafting, a pair of jaws on either side of the knife,means for guiding .flexible shafting transversely to the knife andbetween the jaws of each of said pairs of jaws, electrical connectionsto said jaws, means for moving the carriage in the direction of movementof flexible shafting passing tthrough'the-device, at a speed slightlygreater than the speed .of 1flexible shafting passing through thedevice, means for causing the awson either side ofthe knife to gripflexible shafting lpassing' through the device and `make electricalconnection therewith, the

jaws to the rearof the knife relativeto the direction of movement of thecarriage-loosely lgrippingthe vflexible shafting sovthat it may -slipftherein to .take up expansion of the ,flexible shaftingcaused-by-heating the shafting, and-means for causing the knife totraiverse ithe .path of the flexible shafting.

9. In a` devieefor cuttingflexible shafting Vadapted Ato cut shaftingcontinuously fed -theretofmeans -for heating a portion of the lflexibleshaft at the point at which `the shaft j fistofbe. eut comprising a pairof .spaced electrical contact `members adapted to make electricalcontact with flexible shaftiiig pass-V Vingthrough thedevice,meansformoving the vcontacts in .accordance -with the speed of-movement of the flexible shaft, and means for wenergizing the contactsto cause a'current of electricity -to pass between the contacts `throughvthe-flexible shaft and heat the flex- Vible shaft.

.110. Ina device 'for cuttingflexible shaft- *ing adapted to cutshafting continuously fed fthereto,!means 'forheating aportion of theflexible shaft atthe'point atiwhich the shaft is; tobegcut comprising apair of jaws adapted -to :griprfl-exible shafting'passing through the`ydevice, a secondpair of jaws spaced from saidffirstv'pair offjaws,vmeans for causing each/of said pairs of jaws to grip flexibleshafting passing through the device, means for moving both pairs of jawsin accordance with the movement of the flexible shafting, electricalconnections to said jaws, and means for energizing each of said pairs ofjaws to cause an electric current to flow therebetween through theflexible shafting and heatl the flexible shafting.

ll. In a device for cutting flexible shafting adapted tocut shaftingcontinuously 4fed thereto, means for heating a portion of the flexibleshaft at the point at which the shaft is to be cut comprising a pair ofjaws adapted to grip flexible shafting passing through the device, asecond pair of jaws spaced from said rst pair of jaws, means for causingeach of said pairs of j aws to grip flexible shafting passing throughthe device, electrical connections to each of said pairs of jaws, meansfor energizing each of said pairs of jaws to cause a current ofelectricity `to flow between the two pairs of jaws through the flexibleshafting, and means for movingfboth pairs of jaws in unison at a speedslightly greater than the speed of movement of the flexible shafting,the pair of aws to the rear l relative to the direction of movement ofthe flexible shafting loosely gripping the shafting so that it may sliptherein to take up the increase in length of the portion of the shaftingbetween the two pairs of jaws due ing, a cutting element, a pair of jawson leither side of the cutting` element adapted to grip flexibleshafting passing through 4the device aiidmake electrical contacttherewith, resilient ymeans 'urging said Igripping jaws totheinoperative position, means yfor operating the aws to grip flexibleshafting, means for holding the jaws in the operative position and meansactuated by the operation of said cutting element to release saidholding means. la. In ya device for cutting flexible shafting, acarriage having ,a cutting element thereon aiidmeans for heating aortionof flexible shaftiiig passing through Ythe, device at the point atwhich it isto becut, means for moving the carriage in the direction ofmovement of flexible shafting passing through the device, meanslactuated by movement of the carriage for controlling the operation ofthe heating meansand the eut- `ting element, and means responsive topreiio determined movements of the shafting for controlling the carriageactuating means.

15. In a device `for cutting flexible shafting, a. carriage having acutting element thereon and means for heating al portion of flexibleshafting passing through the device at the point at which it is to becut, means for moving the carriage in the direction of movement offlexible shafting passing through the device, means actuated by movementof the carriage for controlling the operation of the heating means andthe cutting element, a clutch adapted to connect the carriage operatingmeans to a source of power, and means responsive to predeterminedmovements of the shafting controlling the operation of the clutch toconnect the carriage operating means to a source of power.

16. In a device for cutting flexible shafting, a carriage having acutting element thereon and means for heating a portion of flexibleshafting passing through the device at the point at which it is to becut, means for moving the carriage in the direction of movement offlexible shafting passing through the device, means actuated by movementof the carriage for controlling the operation of the heating means andthe cutting element, a clutch adapted to connect the carriage operatingmeans to a source of power, means responsive to predetermined movementsof the shafting for controlling the operation of the clutch to connectthe carriage operating means to a source of power, and means operated bythe carriage operating means for controlling the operation of the clutchto disconnect the carriage operating means from the source of power.

17. In a device for cutting flexible shafting, a carriage having acutting element thereon and means for heating a portion of flexibleshafting passing'through the device at the point at which it is to beout, means for ymovin g the carriage in the direction of movement offlexible shafting passing through the device, means actuated by movementof the carriage for controlling the operation of the heating means andthe cutting element, a clutch adapted to connect the carriage operatingmeans to a source of power, means responsive to predetermined movementsofthe shafting for controlling the operation of the clutch to connectthe carriage operating means to a source of power, means operated by thecarriage operating means for controlling the operation of the clutch todisconnect the carriage operating means from the source of power, andmeans for adjusting the clutch to vary the length of flexible shaftingseveredv by the cutting means.

18. A device for cuttingl flexible shafting adapted to cut shaftingcontinuously fed thereto into pieces of predetermined length comprisingmeans for cutting flexible shaftmg, means actuated 1n accordance withthe and means movable with the flexible shafting for acting on theshafting to set the wires making up the shafting to prevent theunraveling thereof over a portion of the shafting at thepoint at whichit is to be cut.

20. In a device for cutting flexible shafting adapted to cut shaftingcontinuously fed thereto into pieces of predetermined length, acarriage, means for cutting flexible shafting carried by the carriage,means carried by said carriage for setting the wires making up theshafting to prevent the unraveling thereof over a portion of theshafting at the point it is to be cut, and means for moving the carriagein thel direction of movement of the flexible shafting passing throughthe device while said setting means is acting 011 the shafting.

21. In a device for cutting flexible shafting adapted to cut shaftingcontinuously fed thereto into pieces of predetermined length, acarriage, means for cutting the flexible shafting carried by saidcarriage, electrical contact elements carried by said carriage, one oneither side'of said cutting means adapted to makeelectrical contact withthe flexible shafting, means for moving the carriage in the direction ofmovement of flexible shafting passing through the device, means forenergizing saidv contact elements during movement of the carriage, andmeans for actuating the cutting means. f

22. In a device for cutting flexible shafting adapted to cut shaftingcontinuously fed thereto, means for setting the wires making up theshafting to prevent the unraveling thereof over a portion of theflexible shaft at the point at which the shaft is to be cut, and meansfor moving the setting means, in accordance with the speed of movementofthe flexible shaft during the time said setting means is acting. f

28. In a device forcutting flexible shafting adapted to cut shaftingcontinuously fed thereto, means for setting the wires making up the shafting Vto prevent the unraveling thereof over a portion of the shaftingat the point at which the shaft is to be cut comprising means forheating a portion of .the shafti ng, and means for moving said heatingmeans in accordance with the speed of movement of the shafting. Y

my signature.

LOUIS I'I. MORIN.

